Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Mercedes-Benz R350
Mercedes-Benz R350 Models:
Mercedes-Benz R350 Problems
Check Engine Light Due to Faulty Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid
The camshaft adjuster solenoid (which is related to the variable valve timing system) may fail or timing chain/balance shaft components may wear, resulting in illumination of the Check Engine Light and various drivability issues. Mercedes-Benz has released a service bulletin outlining specific repair instructions depending on fault codes stored.
Problem With Ball Joints May Cause Creaking Noise
A problem with the ball joints can cause a creaking noise. There is an updated part to remedy this problem.
"Crank no Start" Due to Failed Crankshaft Position Sensor
The crankshaft position sensor may fail. Symptoms of this are: The engine will crank—but not start—especially when the engine is warm. The car may start again if it is left to cool off, but it may run roughly or have poor performance. Communicating these specific symptoms to your technician can save diagnostic time.
Rough Shifting of Automatic Transmission
Vehicles equipped with a 7-speed automatic transmission may develop a rough shifting condition, most commonly going up from first to second gear and going down from third to second or second to first gear. Our technicians tell us this is due to an internal component failure. Mercedes has released updated parts; the transmission will need to be removed and disassembled to complete the necessary repairs.
Brake Pads & Rotors May Wear After 20,000 Miles
As a way to increase braking performance, the brake pads and rotors are make of a softer material and may be in need of replacement after approximately 20,000 miles; owners should be vigilant about getting their brakes checked.
Mercedes-Benz R350 Recalls (Recent)
Second Row Seat Belt Buckle May Come Loose
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Some second row seats were manufactured without threads in the nut used to secure the seat belt buckle. In the event of a crash, the buckle may not hold as designed, increasing the risk of injury to a second row seat occupant. Dealers will inspect the second row seat and replace it as necessary. This recall is scheduled to begin on May 3rd, 2006. The Mercedes-Benz recall number is 2006040003.
Learn more »Accelerator Pedal May Not Be Fully Fastened to Its Mount
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The accelerator pedal may be loose due to insecure mounting studs and nuts. This could cause difficulty operating the accelerator. Dealers will inspect and install the mounting nuts of the accelerator pedal if necessary. The Mercedes-Benz recall number is 2006120008. This recall began on January 16, 2007.
Learn more »Incorrect Software Calibration May Cause Fuel Pump to Remain Powered in a Collision
RepairPal Expert Overview:
There is a faulty software calibration that affects several areas including shutting off the fuel supply in a collision. This could cause a fire hazard during an accident. Dealers will reprogram this software. The Mercedes-Benz recall number is 2008 070001. This recall began during August, 2008.
Learn more »Wire Harness to Starter Motor May Be Damaged
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The wiring harness to the starter motor may be routed incorrectly. This could lead to chafing of the protective sleeve on the engine mount cover. Over time, this chafing could wear through the sleeve and expose the underlying wiring. Damaged wires may result in a electrical short and loss of function of the vehicle's electrical system. Dealers will inspect the wiring and correct its routing. If necessary, the protective sleeve and/or wiring will be replaced. This recall is expected to begin on May 12, 2006. The Mercedes-Benz recall number is 2006040002.
Learn more »Mercedes–Benz Recalls 2008 Vehicles for Defect in Power Steering Oil Pressure Driving Pin
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Mercedes–Benz is recalling certain 2008 GL-Class, M-Class, and R-Class vehicles for a possible defect in the driving pin used to control power steering oil pressure. If the pin breaks during normal vehicle turning, the steering assist will no longer operate, causing difficulty operating the steering wheel. Dealers will replace the steering gear in affected vehicles.
Learn more »Mercedes-Benz R350 Questions and Answers
I am a heavily trained in mechanics but don't want to inadvertently break something. How do I change the air filters on a 2006 mercedes r350?
The fronts seats will lock up this has happened now three times.The Dealers keep say it nothing and when we bring it to them it works.
I am getting a oil change. The mechanic said I need to change my air filters and he said that there is two air filters. I am not sure.
how do I reset break wear light on console breaks and sensors have been changed
My wife has ran the fuel tank dry. Is there anyway to reprime the system and/or reset the computer to get the vehicle running myself, without having to take it to the dealership? I am very mechanic...
Mercedes-Benz R350 Reviews
We bought the 2006 R350 used in 2008 with 30,000 miles on it for $18,000. This was when gas prices were so high and no one was buying any SUV. They needed to move it and we figured, you can't buy a Prius for $18,000. It had the factory warranty until 50,000 then we bought an extended warranty which will cover it for 5 more years or until 100,000. We needed a car (not a mini van) that could seat 6 adults and there simply are not many wagons out there that seat 6. So - what problems have we had - not many to be honest. The worst was some drive train thing that was covered by warranty. However, for the past two years, we've had this 'hissing' that sounds like cold water poured on a hot frying pan - when we turn off the car, pull out the key - and open the doors. It's the opening the doors that cause the sound. It's in for a 'C' service right now and the guys can hear the hiss but can't figure out where it's coming from. I didn't check if the car came with 'airmatic' - that lowers the car when it's off? Anyone else have that problem? The car has around 60,000 miles right now. Overall - it has had less problems that our Saturn - piece of crap - that needed all sorts of work and it was expensive work. Even a major tuneup was over $600 - for a 4 cylinder Saturn for gawd's sake. And don't get me started on the Plymouth Voyager - I will never, ever by a Plymouth product. At 71,000 miles the head gasket needed replacement - just off warranty. In 1995, $2,000. It blew again 3 months later. No warranty, nothing - another $2,000. We do not drive cars roughly - that was the family car - piece of junk. I have a 2003 CLK320 that is a wonderful, gorgeous car that has 105,000 miles and I'm keeping for another 100,000. Nothing major, usual maintenance, some years - $500 tops. That's a cheap car. We also have a Prius - blew two tires the first month. Something about the design of the rims - notice most Prius' have lost their hubcaps. Those (fronts) came off the first month, too.
Driving should not be painful - you should enjoy your car. If not, get one you do. They are all expensive and not built like 20 years ago. We don't 'love' the R350 and will get rid of it when it goes off warranty but until then, it's been good, reliable and seats 6 comfortably - and holds a lot of stuff - all 4 back seats go flat down. That's what we need right now...
I have had a problem with 2006 r- 350 within the 2nd month of being purchased. I am reading everyones situations with the same kind of vehicle. Glad to see I'm not the only one, but said because we are all dealing with the same issues: Blower for heating and cooling, Power steering which was fixed, but still not working, New problem is car leaning on right side, and I'm assuming its the shocks, Check light keeps coming back on. I want to know why all of these big issues are not under recall status. Someone please needs to take all the underline issue at hand and correct it. Thanks!
The R350 is really a money pit. This is the Pandora Box of vehicles. I purchased the car in Jul 2012 at about 84,600 miles. I had failed to take heed to the warning during our weekend test drive. As we were about to leave the dealership, I tried to close the rear lift gate. And I noticed that it would not close completely. After trying again without success, I got the sales man so he could give it a try. The lift gate still would not close. We drove a different SUV for the weekend. While waiting on the dealer to replace a $400 part. Needless to say we bought the car anyway. Not even 30 days later the rear airbag suspension began to fail. Which cost about $1,000 not including 2 tires from the suspension failing. I also had issues with A/C, heating, and defrost. When selecting the heater the defrost comes on full blast and fogs the windshield. It was useless. I later discovered that a software upgrade was the problem plus a weak battery totaling $420. I don't expect to own this vehicle much longer. All of the issues happen within the the 1st 90 days of ownership. I also tried to use my warranty and it was useless. MB is overrated stick with American. Lesson learned do your research.
This is supposed to be a Mercedes. MB Corp need to have the courage to fix the problems that are common in all R350 such as manifold exhaust system, and air suspension issues.
Don't do it.This car seems to be a Pandora's box.Purchasing a CPO vehicle from a respected dealer should give you a great sense of ease.This car has been nothing but problems.The blower motor for the heating system went.Leakege from the O rings,cam plugs leaking,front end noise.This car seems to have a major issue with its hydraulic system/airmatic suspension in which I don't understand how this is not a major recall issue.My vehicle inexplicably dropped on the right side making it uneven with the left.I took it to get repaired along with my faulty rear lift gate.Service advisor told me the issues were the sensors so they replace them.A little over 30 days later same exact problem,but this time had nothing to do with the sensors.Now it's being explained to me that there are many components to the the airmatic system and it's a complicated system, yada yada yada and so forth.Bottom line the fix cost me 3x more then what I paid last month.The car only has 41,340 miles